It’s been a quiet Chargers free agency in Los Angeles so far. The team entered free agency with $90-100 million in cap space. They’re down to roughly $60 million after getting starters like C Tyler Biadasz and FB Alec Ingold. They made Ravens TE Charlie Kolar the highest-paid blocker at the position of all time.
The Chargers have also started to fill out their offensive line depth. T/G Trey Pipkins has returned on a 2-year, $10 million deal. He primarily started in place of an injured Rashawn Slater last season. Miami Dolphins OG Cole Strange also came to the team on a two-year deal. Chargers 2025 trade acquisition OL Trevor Penning is also back.
One specific starting guard option might be in a tricky position before the Chargers can sign him.
The Chargers still have work to do in order to fill out their offensive line before the draft. Out of the 9 or 10 regular-season offensive line spots they’ll carry on the eventual 53-man roster, they likely have just six filled. Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt, and Biadasz will be three of the five starting offensive linemen. Pipkins, Penning, and Strange will likely be depth or potential fringe starters. More help is needed along the offensive line before the Chargers add talent in the draft.
Cleveland Browns RG Wyatt Teller is likely the next best available Chargers’ offensive line target. Teller is technically not a free agent yet-there is some confusion on when exactly his contract is set to void. But he will not be back with the Browns in 2026. He posted on Instagram that he would be leaving Cleveland on February 18th.
OTC says that Teller’s contract is set to void on the 12th. He could be released as early as Thursday or Friday for any team to be able to sign. With the Browns cutting Teller, he would not count against the Chargers’ compensatory formula.
Teller will turn 32 in November and isn’t quite what he was in his prime. He had the second-lowest pass blocking efficiency of his career last year at a 97.0. But still, Teller’s numbers from last season aren’t too dissimilar from Zion Johnson’s.
Johnson allowed 29 pressures and 5 sacks. Teller allowed 24 pressures and three sacks. He’s lost some of his movement ability, but is ultimately putting up at least average right guard numbers. Notably, Teller did miss four games last year with a reaggravated calf injury.
Considering last season’s floor at RG was the performance of Mekhi Becton, sure-I’ll take it.
Ultimately, the Chargers just need competence and can’t let another playable guard option slip away from them. With Teller likely not being particularly expensive, there’s no reason to not sign a guard that doesn’t count against the comp pick formula.
Signing a guard is also particularly important, so the Chargers aren’t pigeonholed in the draft. Having a veteran option capable of starting 17 games is crucial so the team doesn’t feel pressure to reach on a guard at any stage of the draft relative to the board.
Even if Mike McDaniel’s scheme will help alleviate some of the Chargers’ struggles with defensive pressure, it would be nice to have a guard who they know is capable of starting the whole season.